History some truths contains, which well may serve For lessons. In my work you will observe Ev'ry thing speaks — yea e'en the very fish — And what they say, to ev'ry man a dish Serves up; and I of animals make choice That men may get instruction from their voice.

For thee I'll trace in verses which I write Some sketches, paintings which indeed are light, And if the prize of pleasing thee I do not bear away, At least, the honour I shall have of having tried I say.

Book I (1668), Dedication "To Monseigneur the Dauphin".

La fourmi n'est pas prêteuse;C'est là son moindre défaut.

The ant is no lender; that is the least of her faults.

Book I (1668), fable 1.

Apprenez que tout flatteurVit aux dépens de celui qui l'écoute.

Be advised that all flatterers live at the expense of those who listen to them.

Book I (1668), fable 2. Variant translations: Learn now that every flatterer lives at the cost of those who give him credit. In exchange for your cheese I will give you a piece of advice for the future — Do not trust flatterers. Every flatterer lives at the expense of him who listens to him.